FIFPro demands global calendar is put on hold until it takes account of player welfare

14th March 2019

March 14 – The international players union FIFPro has called on FIFA to abandon plans for a revamped Club World Cup and expansion of the 2022 World Cup until it has reviewed the game’s “crowded” international match calendar.

FIFA’s ruling council meets on Friday in Miami to decide on Gianni Infantino’s blueprint for radical chance but FIFpro has joined UEFA in urging caution.

“Competition reforms are a natural and necessary part of innovation in sport,” FIFPro said in a statement.

“However, various reforms over the last years by different competition organisers have led to a crowded match calendar at the top of the game which, according to FIFPro research, is having an impact on the heath and performance of players.”

“Therefore, any further amendments to international tournaments should only be introduced after a comprehensive review of the match calendar has been undertaken and mandatory standards for the rest and recovery of players have been introduced,” FIFPro added.